BIRDS OF B^ERGUS COUNTY, MONTANA. 2* 



Her in the season, and on May 13 the first nest was examined. It was in 

 a depression near a shallow water-hole. The site was between two partial 

 heaps of dried manure. The only nest material was soft dried grass, with 

 which the depression was comfortably lined, the rim as usual having the 

 thickest lining. The four eggs in this nest were quite fresh. 



On May 17, 1902, I found a nest of the long-billed curlew in the same 

 locality as that of the foregoing. It was in a depression between scattered 

 cow chips, and was made of dried grass and small lumps of dried manure. 

 This nest held four fresh eggs, placed as usual. 



The eggs of this species vary considerably in color and size. In one 

 pattern the ground is light greenish olive, with irregular blotches of dark 

 umber and chocolate. Another pattern is much rustier in appearance, both 

 in ground color and in markings. In length they vary from 2.70 inches 

 to 2.40 inches, and in width from 2.00 inches to 1.80 inches. 



After the nesting season, the curlews renew their gregarious habits, 

 associating on the prairies in small flocks, of which I have not seen any 

 of more than twenty-five or thirty individuals. Toward nightfall the cur- 

 lews resort to the water. By the middle of September they have termi- 

 nated their stay among us for the season. 



Distiguishing features: Upper parts pale reddish-brown, irregularly 

 tinged with grayish and varied with black; lower parts paler; length 20- 

 26 inches. Easily identified by its long bill curved downward toward the 

 outer end. 



266. ESKIMO CURLEW. Numenius borealis. 



No data of my own are at hand regarding the Eskimo curlew, but 

 Dr. Coues cites several Upper Missouri records, and there is no doubt 

 that Fergus county is in the line of migration of the species. Further ob- 

 servation may even disclose the fact of its nesting in this region, as Dr. 

 J. G. Cooper reports its breeding near Ft. Benton. 



Distinguishing features: Like the long-billed curlew; breast marked 

 with v-shaped spots; much smaller; length 12-15 inches. 



272. AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER. Charadrius dominicus. 



A regular migrant, seen more frequently in the eastern portions of 

 the county than in the western. Dr. Chas. E. McChesney reports the 

 golden plover as a migrant in the Big Horn region. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts mottled black and white or 

 dull yellowish; lower parts chiefly black; head and neck marked with 

 white; length 9-11 inches. This plover has no hind toe. 

 273. KILLDEER. Oxyechus vociferus. 



A very common summer resident along the streams and pond 

 shores. The first individuals arrive about the middle of March, and the 

 latest to depart are seen about the end of September. 



Distinguishing features: Upper parts grayish-brown; fore-head, chin, 

 throat, collar, and lower parts, white; head and neck varied with black; 

 length 10-11 inches. Easily identified by its characteristic call resembling 

 the word "killdeer." 



